The Sexual Behavior of Intravenous Drug Users: Assessing the Risk of Sexual Transmission of HIV

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Abstract
Sexual behavior data for a twelve-month period are presented from a survey of 662 intravenous drug users (IVDUs). Attention is focused on the number of sex partners, the frequency of sex, the occurrence of anal sex, and the use of condoms for both IVDU and non-IVDU sex partners. Findings indicate high levels of sexual activity among IVDUs, and significant percentages with multiple partners. Condoms are not used regularly, and anal sex is relatively uncommon. Black male IVDUs were more likely to have had sex with a non-IVDU female than with an IVDU female; they were also more likely to have multiple non-IVDU female partners. Among female IVDUs, sex partners are more likely to be IVDU males than non-IVDU males. Having multiple sex partners was less common among female than male respondents. The overall risk for IVDUs and their sex partners due to sexual activity is discussed, and hypotheses are formulated regarding the spread of HIV from IVDUs to the non-IVDU population.